Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment l Sleep Center Specialists l Everett, Bellevue, Redmond & Kirkland

Restless Legs Syndrome

What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome? Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is s a sleep disorder that causes a strong urge to move one's legs. There is often an unpleasant feeling in the legs that improves somewhat with moving them. This is often described as aching, tingling, or crawling in nature.
RLS can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. People with RLS often don't get enough sleep and may feel tired and sleepy during the day.
Restless legs syndrome may affect up to 10% of the U.S. population. It affects both sexes, but is more common in women and may begin at any age, even in young children. Most people who are affected severely are middle-aged or older.

Types of Restless Legs Syndrome?

There are two types of Restless Leg Syndrome:

>> Primary RLS

Primary RLS is the most common type of RLS. When no cause can be found, the condition is called primary RLS, which tends to run in families. Over time, symptoms tend to get worse and occur more often, especially if they began in childhood or early in adult life. In milder cases, there may be long periods of time with no symptoms, or symptoms may last only for a limited time.

>> Secondary RLS

Secondary RLS is RLS that is caused by another disease or condition, or as a side effect of certain medications. Some of the diseases and conditions that can cause RLS are:

What are treatments for Restless legs syndrome?

Treatment of restless legs syndrome involves identifying the cause of symptoms when possible. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition, such as iron deficiency, greatly relieves symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Reducing caffeinated beverages, regular exercise and taking a hot bath before bedtime can relieve the symptoms of RLS. If those aren't effective, you may need to take medication.